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Friday, 25 January 2013

Winter Hand Creams - My Top Picks

Three gorgeous hand creams, each one has been a saviour for me this winter, keeping my hands, soft, smooth and hydrated day and night.

L'Occitane Almond Smooth Hands £8 for 30ml
This is a light hand cream that I use after doing the washing up or washing my hands or just if my hands feel a little dry through the day. Although this is from the same collection as my holy grail shower oil the scent is much fresher and delicate. It is green and leafy, the smell is just like the burst you get when breaking open an almond shell. Enriched with softening almond milk and smoothing almond proteins. I love it.

Crabtree & Evelyn Himalayan Blue Hand Therapy £5 for 25g
This hand cream is slighter thicker than the L'Occitane one and therefore a bit more moisturising. I keep this in my hand bag for applying when out and about. Especially when my hands have been exposed to the cold. I had no idea what to expect from this scent but it is rather delicious. Crabtree and Evelyn describe the fragrance as an enigmatic blend of smoked black tea, warm ginger and spices, and golden champaca, touched with a mysterious accord of patchouli, leather notes, and exotic woods. You need to smell it to appreciate it. Contains shea butter and macadamia nut oil.

Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Creme £52 for 100ml
The tube pictured is a 30ml version that came in an Estee Lauder cracker. As the name suggests this is a real treatment hand cream which is thick and creamy. I pop this on for overnight intensive moisturising. Rich and indulgent, this has the familiar Lauder scent which is one of my favourites. Smooths lines and reduces dark ageing spots.

Hand Creams From L-R Crabtree& Evelyn, L'Occitane, Estee Lauder - You can see the difference in texture by looking at these.

Re-Nutriv is amazing, you only need a small amount because of the thickness. My tube has just run out and I'm missing it so much (I cut open the tube and scrapped as much as I could to make it last longer) The only thing that came close is Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Salve at night.

I love Avon's handcreams, especially Avon care glycerine hand and nail cream. Treats dry skin, makes nails look healthy too. My husband uses it too. I feel that since hand cream gets washed off the next time you wash your hands, I cant see the justification for spending lots of money.Avon's are £3.50 for 100ml but often on offer, say 3 for £5, so 300ml for £5. Compare that to £156 for 300 ml of Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Creme. I rather spend the extra £151 on some Neom bath oils and candles or a day at the spa. For an overnight intensive treatment, I use Avon Skin So Soft Firming and Restoring Overnight Corrective Hand Treatment. Only £1.50 for 100ml.I am not an Avon rep by the way!